Allen Banks and Staward Gorge

The swing bridge

The National Trust have restored the swing bridge across the River Allen in order to make it safe for visitors.

Walk across it to the other side for more woodland or stand in the centre and look down the river, keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife.

© National Trust

Visit the watchtower

If you follow the walking track to the right and go up a steep hill you will eventually arrive at the old watchtower.

Now restored by National Trust, you can stand or sit at the different openings and stare out into the wilderness over to the Pennines and Allen Banks itself.

© Victoria Gibson

Look out for wildlife

Allen Banks is a haven for nature and wildlife, and we even have dormice at the moment.

So keep your eyes open for badgers, deer, birds, dormice and more. Visit our wildlife page for more information.

More wildlife

© NTPL/Ross Hoddinott

Follow the Allen Banks trail

Allen Banks is a labyrinth of woodland so use the National Trust trail posts or the Woodland Walk leaflet (PDF) to help you find your way around.

Discover nature and look out for wildlife on your adventure and why not let us know what you find?

© Victoria Gibson

Search for wild flowers and pond life

Explore Allen Banks with our wild flower walk or pond life trail.

A fantastic way to spend a day out learning about the wild flowers in the area and following the pond life trail, having fun finding the many species that are hidden at the property.

Download the Pond Life Trail (PDF)

© Victoria Gibson